Disney's Polynesian Resort050

Disney's Polynesian Resort is designed to resemble a South Pacific paradise - the Magic Kingdom-area hotel is surrounded by tropical landscaping, tiki torches, and even a beach. "Aloha" greets guests at check-in, who each get a lei, and the staff is perpetually poised to ensure happy visitors.

The resort is made up of longhouses: two- and three-story buildings that spread to the left and right of the main "lodge" building. Rooms are decorated in "island style," with tropical paintings, prints, and bamboo fixtures. The Polynesian is one of the original resorts on Disney property, and all of the rooms have been renovated since its original opening in 1971.

Comfortably-sized standard rooms include two queen-size beds and a day bed. Suites are also available. All rooms include an iron, ironing board, coffee maker, safe, small refrigerator, and a hair dryer. Pack-n-play cribs, high chairs, and bed rails are available upon request; contact the housekeeping staff.

The hotel has two pools: The most popular, and the busiest, is the Nanea Volcano Pool, located just outside of the Great Ceremonial House (the main building). It features a volcano, a fast waterslide (opens at 10am), and even underwater music!

Guests can also see Cinderella's castle (and the evening fireworks show) from many of the rooms, the themed pool, and the beach.

One of the best things about the resort is its proximity to the Magic Kingdom. The monorail stops right at the hotel and deposits guests at the front gates of the Kingdom two stops later. Or you can hop off at the transportation center, four stops away, to catch the monorail to Epcot. Buses take hotel guests to MGM, the Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and the water parks.

For other water fun, stop by the marina to catch a boat launch directly to the Magic Kingdom, or stay and play on the Seven Seas Lagoon in rented pontoon boats, sailboats, or "Water Mouse" boats.. Kids 12 and older can drive the boats - with an adult on board, of course! To pilot a boat alone, a driver's license is required. Boaters do not have to be guests at the hotel, but should call in advance to reserve a time.

Fantastic childcare is available at the NeverLand Club, a themed club for kids ages four to 12 that offers arcade games, dress-up, arts & crafts, and Disney movies. A nightly dinner buffet is included in the service, and reservations are absolutely required (we recommend doing this well in advance - NeverLand is the best program of its kind at Disney, and it books quickly). Call 407.WDW.DINE for more information.

There are plenty of places to eat within the resort. For food with an island flair, as well as American favorites, try the Kona Cafe. The resort also hosts a character breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at 'Ohana, and a family style luau, called the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.

Quick take-out meals are offered at Captain Cook's Snack Company, where savvy parents can also pick up breakfast (cereal and pancakes, fresh fruit, and more) to cart back to the room and avoid room service fees.

For those rainy days, an on-site arcade provides indoor entertainment.